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Friday, November 25, 2016

V:Broken Legs or Jaw, Your Choice

Chapter 1: The Apology

L’Omino
the dwarf’s hate for Father Signoret burned him like a hot iron. To try to
quench the fire, he decided to use the scene at the theatre to strike at his
Jesuit foe. Slyly he pointed out to his mistress, the Comtessa di Montefusco,
that the Jesuit’s rash action at the theatre had eclipsed any notice of the
Comtessa by the audience.[i]
Stung at the slight, even if inadvertent, the Comtessa described the incident
in a most unfavorable light to her fellow maids of honor and to her patron,
Marie de Medici, the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother was not amused by the
Jesuit’s rash behavior, but she decided that now was not the time to make her feelings
known. The planned discussions with her son took precedence over the Jesuit’s
faux pas.

The
night before Father Signoret’s apology the actors of Binet’s Grand Troupe of
Players invited Norbert to a going away party celebration and at the Duck and
Frog,[ii] a
tiny tavern with four tables for sitting and standing room at the bar and side
counters suitable for a dozen additional patrons. The troupe filled all the
tables and they kept the staff busy ordering round after round of drinks and
Madame Vieillissement, the gray-haired owner, was so pleased she almost smiled.

The
troupe had good news. Somehow the Impresario had found a new benefactor who
wanted the troupe to immediately put on another show. Gerta suggested that
Norbert must be lucky for the troupe since they had never gotten a new show
lined up so quickly. Their benefactor, a wealthy young man dressed in
expensive, flamboyant clothing, had agreed to pay for the dinner and he
liberally tossed tips to all the staff at the restaurant. The young man wanted
them to perform the comedy, Les
Escolliers (The Stairs) by Pierre de Larivey, a play that had been
published in French in 1579 so there would be no need to write a new play or
even to translate and revise an old one which pleased everyone except the
troupes playwright.

For
some reason that night the wine went straight to Norbert’s head and soon he
felt dizzy and was swaying in his seat. Time seemed to pass in odd jumps and
skips with gaps of blackness between the bits of noise and color. After the next
gap the swaying was accompanied by a rumbling sound and a bumping like a rough
wooden wheel on cobblestones. The next time Norbert noticed his surroundings the rumbling had
stopped and he felt cold, his wrists and ankles felt like ice. Norbert felt a sting
as someone repeatedly slapped his face. He heard a voice echoingly say.

“Wake
up. Wake up you hulking peasant!”

Norbert
tried to reply but all that came out was a slurred, “Whaaa?”

“You
will listen and remember.” The voice continued in a gloating tone. “You will
remain alone and imprisoned here in the dark except for when you are brought
out like a trained mastiff to fight for your life. You can fight or you can
give up and die. And eventually you will die…and when you do, I will be sure to
have your mangled corpse sent to your cousin, Gaston.”

The
voice sounded familiar and Norbert tried to see the speaker. But his eyes just
wouldn’t focus. He tried to move closer, but his legs and feet wouldn’t obey
him. It was as if he was frozen in place. He tried harder to move, but the room
began to sway again and he fell into a cold dark pit.

Despite
the snow and cold winds outside, inside the Church of Saint Germain l’Auxerrois
was warm and crowded[iii] on Sunday January the
7th. The crowd was there because his Majesty had decided to attend mass this
morning in person. As was usually the case, a select group of courtiers
accompanied Louis XIII and seated with the King was Cardinal Armand de
Richelieu. The blessing was given by the King’s half-brother the Bishop de
Metz. Father Signoret found a seat in the rear of the church. With him were
Father Vargas, a fellow Jesuit who was there as the eyes of the Provincial
Father and Signoret’s cousin Guy de Bourges. Guy had recently been approved for
admission to the noble Order of the Holy Ghost, though his actual investiture
would not occur until later in the month. Gaston was also at mass dressed in
his uniform as the Captain of the Cardinal’s Guards. With the uniform, he had
also worn the elegant sword he had been given by the Prince de Cröy along with
his Spanish vizcaina. Gaston did not sit with his friends, as he was there in
attendance on Cardinal Richelieu. The only one missing was Norbert, who was
unaccountably missing. No doubt he went
carousing with his actor friends and lost track of time…or even the day,
Gaston thought.

As
the mass ended, Father Signoret quickly went outside. He was accompanied by
both Guy and Father Vargas. As Gaston came out of the church, he saw Signoret
in the middle of the main arch kneeling on the top of the step with his arms
held outstretched as he faced Baron Villemorin. The Baron leaned rather stiffly
against one of the main pillars of the portico. As Signoret began to speak, the
Baron folded his arms across his chest.

“Oh
dear Lord,” Father Signoret began, “forgive me for my sin of anger and for having
struck my neighbor, the Baron Villemorin, at the theatre while in the midst of
my anger. Oh, gentle Jesus, meek and mild, please help your servant to control
his temper and to avoid the sin of anger in the future.” After making his
public confession of his errors and asking Gods help in controlling his temper
in the future, the Jesuit then apologized directly to Baron Villmorin.

Villemorin
replied, “Your conduct was inexcusable.”

“Yes,”
Signoret said. “I have no excuse therefore I apologize fully.”

Angrily,
Villemorin paused, then said. “Very well then. I must accept your apology.” As the
Baron turned to leave, Gaston stepped forward blocking his path. As he saw
Gaston, arrayed in the brand new uniform of the Captain-Lieutenant of the
Cardinal’s newly created Red Guards, Villemorin realized that there was one
thing he had not considered about his demand for a very public apology by the
Jesuit. By arranging for an apology in public at a set time, he had given that
peasant Gaston the chance to challenge him in public. Not only in public, but
possibly even in front of the King. The Baron had to get out of here as soon as
possible.

While
standing firmly in Villemorin’s path, Gaston said, “Ah Baron V…your pardon, My
Lord. I meant to say, Baron Villemorin. I was sorry to have missed you
at the theatre the other night milord. I had hoped to discuss the ending of the
play with you in some detail. I was led to understand that you were even involved
in its composition.”

Villemorin
angrily replied. “I had nothing to do with that trash.”

“Ah,
you did not write the ending,” Gaston said. “No doubt you had some other end in
mind. Well your lack of involvement does explain the play’s popularity with the
audience. Their response was most gratifying to the playwright. You may not be
aware, My Lord, but I myself contributed a few lines to the script,” Gaston
cocked his head to the side and said, “‘The Soldier placed his hat upon his
head, drew his bright sword and laid his foeman dead.’ The audience
particularly loved that line, My Lord.”

“I
have no time nor interest in bandying words with you,” Villemorin interrupted.

Gaston
replied, “No doubt My Lord has some pressing engagement. Something that
requires him to run away…from me?”

“I
am a baron of France. My family have been knights and nobles for centuries. I’m
not going to duel some jumped up peasant with a sword,” Villemorin said
angrily.

“I
am not a peasant. I am a soldier of France and the Captain-Lieutenant of the
Red Guards, a company in the Maison du Roi. As my ancestry was good enough for
King and Cardinal, it should be good enough for a baron of France…My Lord,”
Gaston said.

“Then
I accept,” said Villemorin.

Gaston
said matter of factly, “My second is the Chevalier de la Sainte-Marie du Bois.”

“I
do not believe I know that gentleman,” Villemorin said.

“Once
again My Lord you have mistaken the gentleman’s identity. The Chevalier is
known to you. He is none other than Monsieur Guy de Bourges,” Gaston said.

“My
Lord Baron,” Guy said, as he stepped forward and bowed.

“My
second is Monsieur du Frugereix,” Villemorin said. “You may find him at the
Hotel de Condé. And now, adieu.”[iv]

“Adieu
My Lord,” Gaston said as he swept off his hat and bowed in a ragged imitation
of Guy’s signature bow.

Guy
raised his eyebrow and wondered, is he
imitating me or mocking me?

When
Norbert regained consciousness he realized two things: first, his head felt
like it was being hammered by a pair of enthusiastic blacksmiths and second, he
was manacled to some kind of wall. I
wonder if this is a nightmare. He inhaled thorough his nose and caught the
scent of damp stone, moldering straw, and ordure. Then he tried pulling to free
his arms and legs. He heard the clanking of heavy chains, but the fastenings
didn’t budge. The exertion made the pain in his head even worse and he realized
that his mouth was dry and he had a bitter taste on his tongue.

No. Not a dream. I am in a
real prison. Dear God, I hope it is not a prison of the Inqusition. Ah, but
good Father Signoret told me that the Inquisition can’t operate in France. Our
King won’t let them. Good then, it’s not the Inquisition. Unless I’m not in
France?

That
was a worrying thought. Norbert tugged harder against his bonds, but the
exertion triggered terrible pains in his head. I shall have to try again later when my head is not so sore. I’m so
thirsty I wish someone would bring me some water and a loaf of bread. He
looked around the cell. It was unlit, but enough light came from the crack
beneath the door and from the viewing slit in the door itself that he could
clearly make out the dimensions of the room. It seemed to be roughly square and
approximately eight feet on a side. The ceiling was low enough that he could
feel the stones above him brushing the hair on the top of his head. The cell
seemed to be fashioned of rough stone and there seemed to be a hole in the
floor in one corner.

“Oh
ho!” Norbert said to himself. “So that is where that stench is coming from. A
latrine, I hope it connects to a sewer. I’d hate to have the contents for a companion.
And I hope someone will come along and free me so that I can use that latrine.“

“Hello!”
Norbert called. “Is anyone else here?

“Shut
up!” said a harsh voice.

“Hey,
where am I?” Norbert asked.

“You
are in Hell,” a second voice said.

“In
Hell? I’m sure you must be mistaken,” Norbert said. “This seems to be a prison
of some sort, but certainly it is not Hell. “

“This
is the pit of despair and you are now one of the damned who are trapped here
with us,” the voice shrilly lamented.

“Shut
up you damned coward!” said the harsh voice.

“But
we are all damned. Don’t you see…”

“What
I see,” interrupted the harsh voiced man, “is that when we are in the pit
together, I will make you pay for every croaking word you say now. Each word
will cost you a broken bone. And as I break your bones, I will laugh and remind
you of this day.”

The
light brightened slightly and the voices ceased. At first it was quiet, then
Norbert heard the sound of a single set of footsteps. Then the footsteps
stopped.

“Psst.
Psst. Hey Giant. Is that you?” Although it was a bit gravelly, the voice was
that of a woman. Norbert heard a scratching sound and a soft knock at the cell
door. “Giant? Answer me, damn you. Are you in there?”

Norbert
realized that the gravelly voice was that of Jeannie Artois. “I am here.” He
said. “Jeannie, is that you?”

“Of
course it’s me. Who else would be riskin’ her skin to come talk at you, you big
lump.”

Jeannie
told Norbert that he was in an underground, no rules, fighting pit run by La
Buse and the Buzzards. Norbert tried to talk Jeannie into setting him free. But
she said that she didn’t have the key and that there were quite a few guards in
between Norbert and freedom. What’s more Jeannie knew most of the guards and
was friends with some. She was reluctant to kill them herself or even to help
Norbert to kill her fellows.

Seeing
as he was making no progress with this approach, Norbert asked Jeannie to get
word to his friends Guy and Father Signoret and to his cousin Gaston. Fearing
that she might be placed under arrest, Jeannie was reluctant to seek out Gaston
at the Louvre. But she agreed to get in contact with at least one of the three.
“And then maybe he can contact the others?” she suggested. Norbert heard a
crashing sound of metal on metal and Jeannie said, “Quiet! Someone’s coming.
I’ve got to hide, but I’ll be back later when it’s safe.”

A
little afterwards, Norbert heard several sets of footsteps. The light
brightened a little, then he heard a clank as the door to his cell was
unlocked. The light was blinding after the darkness of his cell. In the glare
he could vaguely make out several figures.

A
harsh, croaking voice said, “So, Norbert the Giant. You are as big as they say.
I regret that I did not have a chance to greet you when you visited my Nest, but
now you can have a taste of the hospitality I grant to those that attack me.”

“I
do not care for that name and I will thank you not to use it.” La Buse said and
scowled.

Squinting
against the glare, Norbert could see that the speaker had a heavy brow, a
beak-like nose, and beady, light-colored eyes. He looks like he wants to stab someone, Norbert thought. And that someone is probably me. As his
eyes became used to the light, Norbert could see that La Buse was accompanied
by four large bodyguards. One of whom, for some reason, was carrying a large
sledgehammer. How odd.

“Graceful
host that I am,” La Buse continued, “I have come to give you a choice. Choice
number one, you can compete in my fighting pit or spend some time with
Jean-Paul here.” The thug with the sledgehammer hefted his tool.

Apparently the one with the
hammer is Jean-Paul, Norbert thought.

“In
which case I will give you a second choice...Broken legs or jaw, your choice?”
La Buse finished with self-satisfaction and apparent bonhomie.

“What
happens if I go into the pit but I don’t fight?” Norbert asked.

“Why
then,” La Buse shrieked, “my guards will have no choice but to spatter your
stupid brains all over the sides of the pit.”

“Well
then I guess I will fight,” Norbert answered. “But I would fight much better
with a large plate of sausages inside me. I am very hungry.”

La
Buse turned back as he was leaving, “Very well,” he sneered. “Win the match and
you will have your sausages.”

Jeannie
felt very nervous. And when she was nervous she talked to herself. “I wish this
giant had friends somewhere more friendly. A cousin in the Louvre what is
surrounded by guards who would be happy to lock up a poor farm girl from
Artois. And if that were not bad enough, this cousin is supposed to be some
kinda’ officer. No I won’t be starting with no guard officer, no mam. All my
mama’s really stupid babies they all died, young. Yes mam they did.”

“A
friend who lives in the Palais Royal what no doubt sips wine with all manner of
counts and dukes and what not. I’d stick out like a sore thumb at shearing
time. No mam. Jenny is not going to go makin’ a fool o’ herself in front of no
dukes and counts and such.”

“I
guess that just leaves the one who is a priest. I hope he don’t ask me how long
it’s been since my last confession, cause I gotta confess I don’t remember,”
she laughed softly. “No mam I don’t.”

Jeannie
rang the bell at the Jesuit Professed House and asked to see Father Signoret.
She was shown into a waiting room. The room was quiet except for an odd ticking
sound that came from some strange object on the mantle. Jeannie looked at it
more closely and noticed something on the front of it was moving. Each movement
occurred with the sound of one tick. Jeannie looked at the object again with
alarm and crossed herself quickly.

She
had barely finished when a tall, black clad figure stepped into the room and introduced
himself as Father Signoret. Jeannie told him about Norbert being in a cell in
the pit. Signoret asked her to go with him while he went to get his friends,
but Jeannie suggested that they all meet at a tavern somewhere instead and
Father Signoret agreed.

Father
Signoret gathered Guy and Gaston. He explained that they were to meet someone
who could explain Norbert’s absence. Once they reached the rendezvous, Signoret
introduced them to Jeannie and she explained that Norbert was imprisoned in the
Pit and the four began to plan how to rescue him. But first they would need to
learn more about La Buse, his gang, and the Pit itself.

Chapter 2: The Big Fight

Norbert
walked beneath the portcullis and out of the pit. He grabbed a rough towel from
one of the attendants to wipe the blood and sweat from his face and chest. Some
of the blood was his, but not much, thank God. He tossed the soiled towel to
the floor noting the other blood stains speckling the stones and the smell of
sweat and old blood. Even though the bouts were not that challenging several
each night did leave him with a few scratches and bruises. It also made him
tired and hungry. The sausages they gave him weren’t very satisfying and they
tasted like they were filled with grease-flavored sawdust.

Escorted
by a pair of guards, he walked over the grate in the floor, noticing again the
residue of blood caked on the grate despite the buckets of water the attendants
slopped on the floor. He passed beneath an arch into the guard room and nodded
at the guards on duty. One smiled at him and jingled a purse.

“You
were lucky for me again, Giant,” the guard said.

Norbert’s
reply was truculent, “Then why don’t you do me a favor and buy me some decent
sausages?”

The
guards laughed in reply and Norbert’s escort led him back to his cell. As he
passed the cell before his, he noticed that the ranting man who had called this
the ‘Hell pit of despair” had been removed. Another man was now in the cell,
but this fighter was much quieter than the other. As the door clashed behind
him, Norbert said to himself, “At last, some peace and quiet. Now perhaps
Hercule can get some exercise by running up and down my shoulders.” The
pattering of Hercules little feet took Norbert’s mind off his hunger. After a
time, that pleasant activity was interrupted by the sound of a sly voice.

“Pssst.
You there, the Giant. How you doing?”

“Hungry.
They don’t give me near enough to eat and what sausages they do bring taste
like they are half filled with sawdust.”

“Probably
are. La Buse spares no expense, hey? I see they’ve moved Ferme the Cruel next
to you. He’s a bad one alright. Broke Long Thom’s back he did. Say I didn’t
introduce myself. My name is Henri.”

“Mine’s
Norbert,” Norbert said.

“I
know. You’re the Giant from Picardy. I hear you’re strong and tough. So any
tips on your next match? Knowing how long it will take you to knock your
opponent out is valuable information. Someone who could pick the exact round
could earn more than a few sous, if you know what I mean.”

“I’ll
consider that, especially if I can good sausages instead of sous.” Norbert
said. “Say, do you know what happened to that crazy guy who was always saying
we were in hell?”

“Oh,
he was in a match with Ferme the Cruel. I heard Ferme broke nearly every bone
in his body – one bone at a time. Laughed the whole time he was doing it too.
He’s a cruel one alright. Gives me chills just thinking of it.”

After
other fights and other nights, Norbert had another visitor – Armand Patrella. Patrella
was accompanied by a shadowy looking figure dressed in a light gray hooded
cloak that concealed his face. Perhaps
his bodyguard, Norbert thought. He
sure moves like a professional.

Patrella
told Norbert that he had caused Patrella a lot of trouble but that now the time
had come for Norbert to make up for that trouble by helping Patrella to earn a nice
fat profit. Tonight he must make the fight look good but despite that he is going
to lose. He is to throw the fight. “Defeating you will set up your opponent as
a viable challenger for a championship match against Draco le Destructeur.”

“And
what if I don’t lose?” asked Norbert.

“In
that case, I will have you cut down right in the arena. I’ve already bribed the
guards to kill you at my signal.”

“OK.
So you win your bet. But what’s in it for me. I’d like some sausages. Good
ones.”

“If
you are dead you won’t care about any sausages.”

Norbert
considered awhile and then told Patrella, “I see your point. Well it looks like
I don’t have any choice but to do what you say.”

“See
that you do,” Patrella said as he and his gray shadow left.

Gaston,
Mel, Guy, and Father Signoret entered The Pit separately to avoid suspicion.
Mel carried his dagger and club along with Norbert’s broadsword. The others
were armed to the teeth with pistols, sword, and daggers. The Pit was located
in the sub-basement of an abandoned building in the poor part of Paris between
the Porte St. Denis and the Porte Mont-Marthe, It was known in certain circles
as a place to wager on vicious brawls. The fighting pit was stone walled with
the outer portion of the floor covered with a layer of sand. The inner section
had a smooth wooden floor with a central square and circle painted on it. Iron
chains hung from ringbolts fixed into the walls on three sides of the pit.
These were used to secure wild animals for the sort of vicious matches hosted
by the ancient Romans.

Above
the pit, the audience watched the fights from a two-level balcony. The balcony provided
standing room only. A wooden railing lined the edge of the pit to prevent drunken
or over excited patrons from accidentally falling in. Also lined around the pit
were a half dozen alert looking guards: four armed with crossbows and two with
matchlock blunderbusses. The smell of the lit matches blended with the odor of
fear, sweat, blood, and aggression.

The
four spread out moving to cover the six guards. The signal to act was to be
Father Signoret shoving the guard with the blunderbuss into the pit. But first
they needed Norbert to enter the pit. After what seemed an interminable wait, the
giant finally stepped under the portcullis and entered the arena. Facing him
was a familiar figure. The one-eyed ox known as Le Gros Boeuf.

Norbert
grabbed Le Gros Boeuf putting him in a choke hold. Gasping for air, Le Gros
Boeuf ran backwards, smashed Norbert against the wall of the pit, and then
elbowed him in the ribs which broke Norbert’s hold. Norbert hammered punches
into his foe’s midsection then shoulder charged him knocking him to the ground.
Le Gros Boeuf displayed surprising agility for such a fat man. He nimbly rolled
back to his feet then charged Norbert. Taken by surprise, Norbert was knocked
to the ground then frantically rolled away to avoid Le Gros Boeuf’s kicks.

Signoret
saw Norbert in the pit below. He moved next to the guard with the blunderbuss
than said, “Say isn’t that a Spanish gold doubloon down there in the pit?” But
his ruse didn’t’ fool the guard who was used to ignoring noise from the crowd.
So Signoret backed up, drew his sword, stabbed the guard, and shoved him
towards the pit. But the body hung up on the rail, dripping blood down the side
of the wall of the pit. Meanwhile, Guy had noticed that La Buse and four of his
bodyguards were behind his cousin. He drew both his pistols, turned and told La
Buse, “Stand right there and don’t move.”

While
Guy was holding La Buse at gunpoint, Gaston put his hands on the backs of two
crossbowmen and shoved them both into the pit. Mel, saw that the man Signoret
had stabbed was on the edge of the pit, which wasn’t really in the pit so he
decided to wait for a complete signal.

Signoret
drew his first pistol and shot one of the crossbowmen above the portcullis
while Gaston drew his pistol and shot the other crossbowman. Norbert ended his
roll away from La Gros Boeuf by grabbing a crossbow from the body of a fallen
guard and pointing it at his foe. Then hearing the shots above him, he narrowly
rolled aside as shot from a blunderbuss turned the crossbow into kindling,
peppered the wall next to him, and rang off the portcullis bars. Seeing the
first two crossbowmen fall and hearing the gunshots, Mel thought, Now that was a complete signal. So he
drew his dagger and knifed the guard who had shot at Norbert.

La
Buse said to Guy, “Do you know who I am? You had best put both those pistols
down before I have my men gut you like a trout.”

“Well
your men may try, but as I abhor unnecessary bloodshed, I must warn you that I
am a crack shot. I never miss. These pistols I hold were given to me by the
Archduchess Isabella for winning the Brussels shooting competition. So Monsieur
Orande, no matter what you tell your men. No matter what you do. I’m going to
spatter your brains all over this room. Yours and the first man of yours who
takes a step near me. So, who is ready to go see God?” La Buse and his men
stood in stunned silence.

“No
one? Good! Now gentlemen, I would consider it a most profound kindness if you
would slowly step backwards throuugh that arch there.”

Signoret
drew his other pistol, carefully aimed at Le Gros Boeuf, and shot him in the
head. The huge man fell to his knees, balancing there for a moment and then
falling face first to the sand. Blood from his wound formed a dark pool around
his head. Above the pit, a figure dressed in a gray hood circled Gaston and
tossed a garrote around his neck. The soldier immediately interposed the empty
pistol in his hand between the garrote and his neck. Safe for the moment from
suffocation, Gaston snapped his head back smashing it into the face of the man
in gray who staggered backwards releasing the garrote. Seeing his cousin in
trouble, Norbert stood and ran towards the chains hanging from the high wall
below Gaston. He grabbed hold of the chains and began to climb.

Seeing
that Mel had just stabbed a guard, two of the bystanders near him attacked him
with their fists. Mel turned and efficiently stabbed the first attacker then
ducked to avoid the second foe.

Signoret
noticed three men charging towards him. As they leveled their pistols, he
dodged amongst the bystanders. Several shots rang out clipping his hat and
killing a bystander. Across the pit, the gray-clad man drew his sword and swung
at Gaston who parried with his pistol then slammed the barrel against the
blade. This allowed Gaston to grab the gray man’s sword and turn it against
him. Hanger sword in one hand, pistol in the other Gaston shifted into Morgan’s
style as he aggressively attacked the gray man driving him backwards with blows
of sword and pistol butt. As Nobert pulled himself up onto the balcony, Mel
stabbed his second opponent.

Guy
backed La Buse and his men into the office past the archway and barred the door
from the outside. Then he quickly returned to the outer room. Signoret engaged
two of his opponents using the circling precision of the Spanish style he
stabbed first one and then the other opponent. But the third man, drew a second
pistol and fired at the priest at point-blank range. Although his reflex jerk
of his head saved him from a pistol ball to the face, the flash of the powder
struck him, blinding him.

The
gray-clad man continued his retreat by turning and running away from Gaston who
turned and greeted his cousin tossing him the gray man’s sword. Gaston switched
to a loaded pistol then drew his rapier as Mel stabbed his second attacker. Sword
in hand, Norbert scanned the room, across the pit he saw Signoret standing
blindly waving his sword as some brigand carefully drew his blade and stepped
towards the Jesuit to stab him. Quickly Norbert threw his sword transfixing the
brigand who fell into the pit.

Seeing
his cousin moving awkwardly, Guy ran forward and grabbed Signoret by the arm. The
others quickly joined them. Norbert picked up the Jesuit and, with Mel flanking
him, carried Signoret bodily from the room while Guy and Gaston brought up the
rear and covered their retreat with loaded pistols.

Outside,
Guy summoned Fabre from where he had been hiding. The apothecary rinsed the
Jesuit’s eyes with a cleansing solution. Though his vision was still a little
blurry, he could see again. He paused a moment for a brief prayer of
thanksgiving then he said, “I think it is time we left this place.” And so they
did.

[i]
Does L’Ominio persuade the Comtessa to complain? [Chaos Rank=6 for all related
actions]; Likely (17) Exceptional YES. Does she complain to the Queen Mother
rather than take direct action? Very Likely (76) YES.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Chapter 8: Year’s End

Angered
and humiliated by Father Signoret’s attack on him at the theatre, Baron
Villemorin[i]
pressed his complaints against the Jesuit to all who would listen. He
personally complained to the Provincial Father in Paris. In addition,
Villemorin asked[ii] his patron, the Prince de
Condé to support him and to help uphold his honor. Condé, concerned that this
assault by a Catholic fanatic on one of his followers may be the first step
down a path that would lead to the resurrection of the old Catholic League or
even another Huguenot massacre, raised the matter at court and gave the
following speech.

“This
public and unprovoked attack against a noble of France, against a member of a
family of long and honorable lineage is most concerning to those of us who
value our honor and the honor of the nobility of France and this attack is a
blow to the ancient honors and prerogatives of that nobility that were earned
by the blood and sacrifices of the many generations of our fathers and their
fathers before them. I fear that once again we see the beginnings of religious
strife that is instigated, as it always has been instigated, by outside powers
and influences who wish to strike at our French heritage and liberties. And I
fear that failure to suppress such activities could have the most grave
consequences to the peace and stability of the kingdom. Are we to allow mad
Jesuit Priests to assault the flower of French chivalry in public and then hide
behind the black skirts of Mother Church? I say that if we value our noble
honor, if we value the honor of our ancestors who fought and died for France,
then we cannot allow these actions to go unanswered for we have seen what
happens when zealots are allowed to use force to overthrow the hereditary rule
of their nobles and their betters.”

This
time when Gaétan entered the office of the Provincial Father in response to a
summons, he noticed two things were different than on any of his previous
visits. First, Louis Cellot was alone without any advisors even including the
mysterious masked advisor known as Pere Noir. Second, and more unsettling, the
usual face of the intelligent, kindly looking man, the respected scholar of the
humanities, theological writer of some note, and dramatist and poet was today
effaced by the stern and unyielding visage of the Provincial Father of Paris, a
man who was possibly the most powerful member of the Jesuit Order after Muzio
Vitelleschi the Superior General of the Society of Jesus back in Rome itself.

Cellot
told Father Signoret that he had ordered him here to explain the events
surrounding the brawl in the theater. He informed Signoret that Villemorin had
lodged a complaint alleging unprovoked, public assault by Signoret. Gaétan
explained the circumstances, suggesting that the Baron struck the first blow.
However the Provincial Father seemed skeptical of Signoret’s innocence since he
had swung on a chandelier into the seats by the Baron to accost him. Signoret
admitted that “perhaps the Baron may have overreacted to my attempt to get him
to stop heckling and threatening the performers and disrupting the play.” The
Provincial Father seemed unsatisfied with Signoret’s response. But he suggested
that he would return to that matter after he discussed with him an even more
grave concern.

Cellot
told Signoret that extremely serious charges had been lodged against him by a
Papal representative, Friar Fitellus of Dominican Order and an Inquisitor of
the Roman Inquisition. Fitellus alleged that Father Signoret and another Jesuit
Priest, Father Vargas, had interfered with the actions of the Papal delegation,
had stolen a religious relic – the Bones of St. Anthony – that Fitellus had
been sent by Rome to obtain, and that Fitellus suspected Signoret’s involvement
in the horrible murder of Father Menard, the pastor of the church from which
the relic was stolen.[iii]
Signoret said he was not responsible for Father Menard’s death and suggested
that the Provincial Father should speak to Father Vargas, if he had not already
done so, and ask Father Vargas about what had occurred. The Provincial Father
said he had done so, but that “now I am asking you, Father Signoret.”

Signoret
suggested that the Inquisitor’s men might have tortured the Father Menard to
obtain the whereabouts of the relic, but the Provincial Father was incredulous
that Signoret would makes such a suggestion without any evidence or that a
member of the church who carried a papal blessing could be guilty of such a
barbaric and sacrilegious act. Then he showed Signoret the list of the charges
alleged by Friar Fitellus. After having read the description of Father Menard’s
death, specifically that his throat had been torn out and that he had been
brutally eviscerated on his own alter, Signoret recalled the dead men found by
a coach outside the village who had been killed in a similar fashion and
suggested that perhaps Father Menard’s killer was the brigand Cat’s Claw
Fornier. Fornier was the same brigand who had threated to tear out Father
Vargas’ throat unless Father Signoret gave Fornier the Bones of St. Anthony.
Reluctantly, Signoret had done so and Fornier had escaped with the relic.

The
Provincial Father ordered Father Signoret to avoid any encounters with the
papal delegation and the Inquisitor Friar Fitellus in particular. He mentioned
that the Inquisitor was still waiting to see the King to have his credentials
accepted.

“Until
that occurs we may set that business aside for now. Perhaps for some time as
his majesty has been very taken with the hunt of late. This unseasonably cold
weather and heavy snow seems to have brought out the wolves in force and his
majesty has been hunting them most avidly. So I do not know when he is likely
to have time for Friar Fitellus.”

The
Provincial Father then announced his decision to Father Signoret, “The Jesuit
Order does not want strife with the nobility of France nor do we wish an open
confrontation at this time with Villemorin’s patron the Prince de Condé.
Therefore you will make a full apology to the Baron Villemorin.

“Apologize?...ah,
Provincial Father?”

“Yes.
Apologize.”

“I
will obey, your excellency.”

The
smile on Louis Cellot’s face was as thin as a razor as he said, “Good. That
will be all then.”

Signoret
sent Claude with a letter for Baron Villemorin. The letter said that Signoret
wished to apologize in person for his conduct at the theatre the other night.
He would like the Baron to meet him at a private room at the Pewter Plate[iv],
located near the Porte Saint-Martin, so that he may apologize in person to the
Baron. The letter ends, “Continued wishes
on your good health – Father Gaétan Signoret IHS.

Signoret
sent his servant Claude to the deliver the note by hand. Claude first went to
two wrong addresses with the note. In between the first and the second address
he dropped the note in the gutter thoroughly staining the outside with filth.
When he finally found Villemorin, the Baron responded by telling Claude he
would send a response by letter. Then he ordered his footman “To throw this
worthless trash in the gutter where it belongs.”

On
his servant’s return, Signoret asked Claude what had taken him so long. Claude
explained “Master, traffic was busy and it took a long time before I could see
the Baron. But I persevered Master to make sure he got your message as soon as
possible. But they threw me out into the gutter. Look at my clothes!”

Eventually
the Baron’s response was delivered to Signoret by an immaculately liveried
servant. The letter was addressed to Father Gaétan Signoret. In it Villemorin
said that “since the offense was public, the apology should be public.
Therefore I suggest that the location should be on the top steps of the Church
of Saint Germain l’Auxerrois after Mass on this Sunday next.” Signoret knew
that this is the church of the Kings of France and so the steps would be
covered with courtiers and the great of the land even possibly royalty as well.

Having
taken the first steps to delivering the apology as ordered, Father Signoret
then went to confession. He confessed to striking Villemorin in anger and said
he was sorry for striking the Baron. (Although he has confessed and agreed to
apologize, his confession is not entirely sincere.)

The
success of their performance of The
Fountain of Poseidon has increased the fame of Binet’s Grand Troupe of
Players. The two lead actors, Acton the Magnificent and Columbine, as well as
Amelie the ingénue garnered increased fame and attention from the theater
crowd. Despite the company’s dramatic success, the associated controversy
caused the theater owner to force the Impresario to suspend all performances
until Paris becomes calmer. Thus on a cold and drizzly December day Norbert
found himself at the theater to pick up his belongings. As he left the theater
he spotted three large men walking towards him from the end of the alley. Le
Gros Boeuf’s enormous bulk was unmistakable despite the weather. Norbert
concealed himself[v] behind a bin in the alley
As Le Gros Boeuf stomped closer to the stage door, Norbert tripped him then
jumped out, put one foot Boeuf’s back then bashed the other two thugs into the
alley walls knocking them unconscious. He then smashed Le Gros Boeuf in the
head. He dragged all three unconscious thugs back into the theatre and tied
them to chairs with rope. Then to humiliate them, he put funny wigs on top of
their heads. Then he went outside, found a street urchin, and paid him to
deliver a message to Guy and Signoret asking them to come to the theater.

While
he waited, Norbert decided to question the first thug. He carefully removed the
wig, dumped a pitcher of water over his head, then replaced the wig atop the
thugs dripping head. The thug, Phil, was none too bright. He told Norbert that
the three worked for Armand Petrella a shady banker and that their job was to
collect on a debt, of an unspecified amount, from the Impressario. Afterwards,
Norbert released Phil and told him to give Patrella a message – “Leave the
Impressario alone.”

Norbert
then questioned the next thug, Mel. He got the same answers that Phil had
provided and Norbert then decided to recruit Mel[vi]
to work for his “organization” which Norbert indicated was large and powerful.
He offered Mel a pay rise of twice what he was currently making. Having
successfully hired Mel, he sent him to wait for Norbert at the Two Horses
Tavern.

Last
Norbert questioned the now awake Le Gros Boeuf who couldn’t tell Norbert
anything he didn’t already know. Since the huge Boeuf also didn’t know the
amount owed by the Impressario, Norbert gave him 2L to give to Patrella to take
care of the debt.

Gaston
was upset that his dramatic plan had failed. He had intended to use the
brilliant satire of the play to so humiliate and enrage Villemorin that when
Gaston challenged him publicly in the theater, Villemorin would be unable to
think of a graceful or honorable refusal of the challenge. However, Signoret’s
precipitate action and the Baron’s hasty departure in a huff from the theater
prevented the last act from playing out as Gaston had scripted it.

Ventre-saint-gris,[vii] but my friends are less cooperative in
following my scripts than the most hubristic of stage performers. Now it seems I have no choice but to
challenge the Baron in a less dramatic fashion and hope that my new status and
promotion to the Captain of the Guard Company of his Eminence will prevent him
from once again ignoring my challenge.

Resolved
on a new course of action, Gaston went to Villemorin’s town house but once
there he was informed by the Baron’s servants that “Baron Villemorin is not
in.”

The
Duke seems more impassive than usual, but I can sense he is upset about
something, Guy
observed as he waited while Pendu, the Duke’s silent servant, poured a dram of
brandy into a fine Venetian crystal glass. Guy warmed the glass in his hand
before sipping.

The
Duke’s resonant voice said from behind his gold mask,

“How is
the brandy? Excellent I trust? De Bourge, I must confess I am a bit put out by
your cousin, the Jesuit. He has acted most precipitously and not in my
interest. You know that the Prince de Condé has been a threat to the rule of
the Bourbons since the time of Henry IV. And this attack by Father Signoret on
one of the Prince’s clients may just give Condé the cause celebré his needs to
increase his power amongst both the Grands and the Barons.

Guy
explained that his cousin “had been trying to prevent Villemorin, who had been
heckling the stage and threatening the actors, from ruining everyone’s fun at
the theater by stopping the play.” Guy continued, “and what’s more, Villemorin
went off and left without a word or glance to Madame Rolampont who he had
escorted to the play. What a boor!”

DeMainz
continued, “Boor or not, it is probably fortunate that the King is so mad for
the hunt or I dare say someone might even have managed by now to persuaded
Louis to re-ban the Jesuit Order. Which, all things being said, might not be
the worst result if they can’t keep their priests under control. I thought they
were supposed to be a damned military order! Gods Marines and all that. Hmmph!”

“This
religious disputation is dangerous. France has had more than enough strife in
the cause of various zealots. The balance needs to be restored. I want you to
find a way to weaken Condé’s influence so as to rebalance it with the influence
of the various other factions at court and I don’t much care how you do it.
Hopefully you have someone[viii] close to the Prince to assist you. And
remember, St. Giron is also a client of the Prince and Villemorin’s captain. If
you are caught acting against St. Giron I won’t protect you.”

Once
he was finally reunited with his friends, Norbert explained what he had learned
from Le Gros Boeuf and his two thugs and Norbert introduced them to his new
companion Mel the Thug, former employee of Armand Patrella,. Norbert led the
group to the hotel where Binet’s Grand Troupe of Players usual stayed in Paris.
They called on the Impresario so that they could question him about his debt to
Armand Patrella.

The
Impresario grandiloquently welcomed them one and all. He flattered each and
every one present and introduced himself to those, such as Guy, whom he had not
formally met. For each one he had a compliment and a good word to say – in fact
he said many, many good words and compliments and said them loudly and with
brillo.

During
the very long conversation, they learned that the Impresario had borrowed
something like 250L some time ago. That he did not know exactly how much he
currently owed. Guy suggested looking at the Impresarios financial records. The
Impresario willing agreed handing over a large ledger stuffed with loose,
unrecorded receipts tucked willy-nilly throughout the huge ledger. Although he
knew nothing of accounting, Guy handed the bundle to his cousin Father Signoret
who quickly realized that the receipts and accounts were hopelessly confused
and in arrears. But the Impresario happily agreed to let Father Signoret peruse
the company’s books to his heart’s content. “Ah, I’m sure a brave and
perspicacious scholar and Jesuit such as yourself will have these records
whipped into shape in no time at all. Most kind of you Father. Most kind. The
Impresario is in your debt. Indeed the all of Binet’s company is in your debt.
Despite your poverty of wealth you are rich in generosity….”

Tired
as if from sailing for a long time at sea against a mighty gale, the companions
departed and Norbert left his new companion Mel on guard to keep the Impresario
safe from harm.

Gaston
and Norbert invited their friends to Christmas dinner at the home of Gaston’s
father, Hubert Thibeault. Gaston’s sister Marie acted as the hostess. With
Marie were her husband Claude and their two girls, Jeannette and Marguerite.
Besides the Thibeault family, Guy and Signoret also attended. After dinner,
Marie told the adults a story[ix] that
she had heard around town.

“Apparently,
there is a warlock who steals children who are out of their beds at night. He
then offers to return them to their parents in exchange for the soul of one of
the parents. When returned the child has a cloven-hoofed-shape black mark over
the heart.”

Marie
said, “I would give anything to save either of my girls, but what a horrible
thing to be asked to give up your soul.”

Guy quickly interjected, “What about the orphans?”
There was a stunned silence and then Norbert asked.

“What orphans?”

Guy said, “Any orphans.”

Signoret added, “The Good God takes care of all of
his children even the orphans.”

Gaston said “Ventre-saint-gris! If some damned
villain, warlock or no, made me that offer, I’d put my blade to his throat and
tell him to release the child this instant or I’d gut him with my blade then strangle
him with his own damned intestines!”

While Gaston was talking, the two nieces peaked in
from behind where Norbert was sitting. While Norbert did not notice the girls
behind him, the other friends did. At Gaston’s final comment, Jeannette squeaked
in horror.

Gaston said, “There, there mon petites. It is just a
story that adults tell to frighten children who don’t go to sleep when they are
supposed to. Do you think your uncle Gaston or your uncle Norbert will let
anyone hurt you?”

Marguerite said, “No Ton-Ton. You would split him in
two ‘All of his head has down the middle shorn, The carcass sliced, the…’”

Her mother said, “Marguerite, oh how bloodthirsty. Where
did you ever hear such a thing?

Marguerite replied, “It is in the Chansons de Roland
mama when Olivier strikes the Iron Valley’s lord.”

“Good heavens!”
Marie looked sharply at Gaston then continued, “That is enough stories for
tonight. To bed girls! To bed!”

Norbert
said, “Oh cousin, let them stay awake a while longer. I have hardly seen the
girls tonight. “

Both
nieces said, “Yes! Yes, we want to stay up and see uncle Norbert!”

Marie
looked sharply at Norbert than sighed. “Very well, but no more of these stories
or you will wake up with nightmares.”

“In
that case Madam Fleury,” Guy said smoothly. “Allow me to describe the latest
fashions at court. Now you girls may not know this but buckles on shoes are no
longer in fashion at the king’s court. Now it is knee ribbons.”

Signoret
said, “I thought it was the ribbons that were out and the buckles that are in.”

Norbert
said, “Well I would wear a buckle on one shoe and a ribbon on the other and
that way I would be half right no matter which was in fashion.”

Jeanette
said, “Oh, uncle that would look very silly. People would laugh at you.”

Norbert
said, “Oh I would not mind if some people laughed. At least then they would be
happy.”

Father
Signoret decided to attempt to close out the case of the Bishop Club’s missing
funds. He went to the Hôtel-Dieu where Brian Chastel was recovering from the
wound the Jesuit had given him. When questioned, Chastel confessed to the
crimes of stealing both the Curia funds and the Bishop’s Club treasury. He told
Signoret that he had needed the money to pay blackmail, but he would not say
what he was being blackmailed for nor would he implicate anyone else in his
crimes. Nor did he admit that he killed his wife and child. He requested his
brother Father Basil Chastel as his confessor. Despite Signoret’s misgivings,
Archbishop Gondi granted the request. Father Delage, the Vicar General of the
Paris Curia, thanked Father Signoret and was sufficiently satisfied at the
results to agree to sponsor him for membership at the Bishop’s Club.

The
year 1623 ended with several promotions.[x]
Guy was admitted to the Order of the Holy Ghost as the Chevalier de
Sainte-Marie-du-Bois[xi] with
the attendant increase in social status. The formal investiture ceremony was
scheduled to be held in the New Year. In addition to his position as a
secretary to Cardinal Richelieu, Father Signoret was made the Curate for the
Jesuit Professed House of Paris[xii]
in preference to his rival Father Vargas and, with the help of Vicar General
Father Delage, he was accepted to membership in the Bishop’s Club, joining his
cousin Guy. Much to Gaston’s delight, Norbert left the theatre to join the
Cardinal Richelieu’s Red Guards[xiii]
where he was accepted by the commander, his cousin Gaston. This position significantly
increased Norbert’s social standing. Gaston was recently promoted to the
Captain-Lieutenant[xiv]
of Cardinal Richelieu’s newly created Red Guards making him ineligible for
other military promotion and he did not try to join any clubs.

To support their position and their social status,
the characters had each hired or had access through their lodgings to a number
of servants.[xv] Guy had five servants at
his apartments in the Palais Royal plus the ever present Fabre. Norbert had two
servants including his new retainer Mel. Signoret, who attempted to live the
humble lifestyle of a priest had only one servant at the Provincial House in
addition to the faithful Claude. Gaston, with new quarters in the Red Guards’
barracks in the Louvre had seven servants including valets, grooms, and
armorers. What to do with so many servants underfoot?

Chapter 9: Collette’s Report

In response to his patron DeMainz’s orders, Guy
instructed his agent Collette to investigate[xvi]
the Prince de Condé paying particular attention to the following matters.

·Whether Condé has any mistresses or
romantic liaisons?

·Who are his closest friends?

·Is he having any unusual meetings?

·Is the Queen Mother, Marie de Medici,
the subject of recent conversation or speculation?

·What is the view of the Queen Mother in
the Prince’s household and amongst his friends and clients?

·Are there any scandals or rumors of
scandals in the Condé household?

Report by
Mademoiselle Collette du Pré

Rank and Position: Henri II de Bourbon, prince
de Condé (b. 1588) is a Prince of the royal blood (Prince du Sang) and
second in line to the throne of France after the King’s younger brother. His
Social Rank is 17. He is the highest ranking and leading Grand and is jealous
of the privileges that come with rank. He is one of the most powerful and
influential men in France.

History: In 1614, Condé led a
rebellion joined by a number of the Grands against the young king to force the
removal of the marquis d’Ancre, a foreign favorite of the queen-mother and head
of the king’s council. In 1616, the rebellious prince was arrested and
imprisoned at Vincennes for the next three years; after Ancre’s assassination,
the prince was freed and cleared of wrongdoing by the Parlement de Paris.

Condé’s
father and grandfather were leaders of the Huguenot cause during the Wars of
Religion in the 16th century, but Condé was raised a Catholic and turned his
back on his Huguenot allies after his release from Vincennes. He led the royal
armies against the Huguenots in 1621 and 1622. On 9 October 1622, Condé left
France on a pilgrimage to Loretto in Italy, from which he has only recently
returned. He has rejoined the king’s council and continues to agitate against
the Huguenots.

Faction: The Prince de Condé is the
leader of the Grands, a faction composed of the many of the greatest Sword
Noble families (the noblesse d'épée). The Grands oppose and tend to be opposed
by the Robe Nobles who comprise much of the state bureaucracy and judiciary
(the noblesse de robe).

Current Status: Condé is proud and
temperamental. No mistresses or romantic liaisons have been observed to date.
He maintains a cool relationship with his wife, Charlotte-Marguerite de
Montmorency, but he is close friends with his brother-in-law, Henry the duc de
Montmorency. Condé dotes on his son and heir, Louis (b. 1621) styled the duc d’Enghien. The couple also has a daughter Anne Geneviève (b. 1619).

Condé’s Wife: Charlotte-Marguerite Montmorency (b. 1594) is
descended from one of the most illustrious families in France. She is the
sister of the duc de Montmorency, styled the “first baron of France.” As the
princess de Condé she could find herself Queen of France one day. Her manner is
suitably imperious, but she is loyal and generous to her friends. Charlotte is
close to the Marquise de Rambouillet and is a regular member of her salon.

As a teen, Charlotte was
contracted to marry Henri II, prince de Condé. The king, Henri IV, planned to
take the young woman as a mistress, and the newlyweds fled to Brussels in 1609,
with the royal cavalry in hot pursuit, to escape the king’s lust. After the
king’s assassination the next year, the prince and princess returned to France.
Despite their adventurous beginnings, the couple was incompatible with one
another and Condé petitioned for a divorce from the princess, but his petition
was denied. Despite their differences, when her husband was arrested in 1616
and imprisoned in the royal fortress at Vincennes Charlotte joined him in his
captivity, bearing their daughter Anne Geneviève
during this time. The prince and princess were freed in 1619 and since then the
two have maintained a steadfast if cool and distant relationship.

Condé’s
Brother-in-Law: Henri II duc de
Montmorency (b. 1595) is the governor of Languedoc, home to many of the
France’s Huguenot towns, as well as Grand Admiral of the kingdom’s small fleet
and lieutenant-general of the tiny colonies of New France. He is a grand, a
leading member of the old sword nobility of France. Montmorency is a friend and
ally of the prince de Condé, his brother-in-law. His sister is
Charlotte-Marguerite de Montmorency, princess de Condé. Henry was the son of
duke Henry I. He was the godson of King Henri IV, and was constantly receiving
marks of the royal affection. His name and his personality rendered him at an
early age the darling of the court and the people. He was only seventeen when
Louis XIII raised him to the office of grand admiral. He succeeded to his
father's title in 1614. During the war of 1621-1622, he wrested several
important places from the Protestants, and was present at the sieges of Montauban
and Monpellier.

[ii] Villemorin
spends 1FP and owes a Service to persuade Condé to support him. Modifiers: +2
(Aristocrat & Flair) -7 (difference in Social Rank) +3 (Member of the
Prince’s company). With the bonus die for the Fortune Point, he rolls
9+2-7+3=7. The Prince is interested but will only extend himself if he is
interested in the issues. Is the Prince interested in the issues?
Likely (63) Yes.

[ix]
The source of the story is Norbert’s encounter with a mother who was searching
for her son. The woman said, “Oh Dark One, I do not know why you or your Dark
Master took my child, but whether you be demon or warlock I thank you for
returning my little Pierre to his bed. Merci! Merci!” The woman returned home
to find her child was back home in his bed.

[xv] A
character has servants in number equal to his Social Rank - 1D6; their cost is
included in his monthly expenses. These servants are associated with the
character's place of residence and are typically unavailable for adventuring.